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THE REVIEW
Main protagonists alongside the Patti Smith Group, Talking Heads, and the Ramones of the American new wave of the mid-'70s, Television was part of that great New York rock season centered around CBGB’s, which saw an explosion of talent like never seen before.
Led by the talented Tom "Verlaine" Miller, the quartet also included Richard Lloyd on guitar, Fred Smith (formerly of Blondie) on bass, and Billy Ficca on drums. They debuted at full length in '77 with this gem of the highest caliber. The band's sound is fundamentally based on a solid guitar architecture, with Verlaine and Lloyd extracting wonderful harmonies from their guitars, of unique elegance that materializes in breathtaking duets and perfect solos.
A kind of art-punk (Verlaine's somewhat ramshackle and nasal singing leaves no doubt that it's '77) with psychedelic attitudes, the art of Television would find space for only one more album before disbanding due to internal disagreements and unsatisfactory commercial responses.
Songs like See No Evil, Venus, Elevation, and the visionary and minimalist ten minutes of the title track are spine-tingling, speaking of a rock always closely tied to melody, which found in its mix of intellectualism, vigor, and immediacy a magical balance that, almost thirty years later, still manages to captivate, amaze, and above all, set the standard.
The Interpol have truly learned the lesson well.
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Summary by Bot
Marquee Moon by Television is a seminal album from the American new wave era of the mid-1970s, showcasing exceptional guitar work and unique harmonies. The band, led by Tom Verlaine, delivers an art-punk sound that blends intellectualism and energy. Despite limited commercial success, the album remains a benchmark of creativity and influence. Standout tracks like the title song continue to captivate listeners decades later.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Television
Television is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. Core members include Tom Verlaine (vocals, guitar), Richard Lloyd (guitar), Billy Ficca (drums), and Fred Smith (bass; replacing founder Richard Hell). Central to the CBGB new wave scene, they debuted with Marquee Moon (1977), followed by Adventure (1978), disbanded, then reunited to release the self-titled Television (1992). They are renowned for intricate dual‑guitar interplay and literate, art‑punk songwriting.09 Reviews
Other reviews
By NickGhostDrake
Fuck Tom Verlaine, because I believed in virginity and instead, he told me everything had already been raped 30 years ago.
And for a child it is always a source of pride when told 'how beautiful you are... You are just like your father.'
By Stefano Potenza
One of the masterpieces of the American new wave and the entire history of rock, certainly to be counted among the most important and influential albums of all time.
The guitars of Verlaine and Richard Lloyd converse perfectly, in a rare and miraculous blend of vigor and minimal elegance.
By David Bowie
Few resources but many ideas.
'Marquee Moon' is a forward-looking record for compositional and stylistic ideas, anything but dated and ready to be rediscovered.
By vinrock
Despite Television’s sound precision, it is not cold or impersonal; the guitars intertwine nervously, responding to each other, accompanying the singing and highlighting the more expressive passages.
Marquee Moon is an album that every music enthusiast of yesterday and today must discover, or rediscover, at least to understand a significant part of today’s bands.
